Repair the Roof of a Carmelite Convent in Croatia Thursday, August 21, 2014

Project Code: 441-06-19

Next year the Carmelite Order will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Teresa of Avila. Together with Saint John of the Cross, she once more restored the order to its original purity. In 1970, she was the first woman in the history of the Church to be declared a Doctor of the Church. This great Spanish saint was renowned among other things, for her words on prayer: "Contemplative prayer, in my opinion, is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us."

Today there are many Carmelite monks and nuns around the world who seek to live this friendship with God. For 25 years now ACN has been supporting the Carmelite Sisters in the Convent of Saint Joseph in the Croatian town of Breznica Djakovacka. The convent has 25 Sisters, and they live apart from the world, devoting themselves entirely to prayer for the needs of the whole world.

Croatia may have joined the EU in July 2013, but in terms of material support the Carmelites have seen no benefit from this. And despite their modest and frugal way of life, living costs are rising constantly. And now they have a new problem. The roof over their outside terrace is damaged and the water is leaking through. As a result, the lower part of the building is increasingly suffering from the penetration of the rainwater and the associated dampness. This is harmful not only to the structure of the building, but also to the health of the Sisters, a number of whom are already frail, elderly and sick.

The Sisters have turned to ACN for help to repair this roof. They write: "We know that the economic crisis has affected almost the whole world and that there are many people knocking on your door, seeking help. But we are hoping, ‘against all hope as Saint Paul says (Romans 4:18) that the Lord, who knows our situation, will provide us through you what we need for our life and our work. May the Lord richly bless your efforts to do good and help those in need!"

The founder of ACN, Father Werenfried van Straaten, always emphasized the great importance of helping the contemplative religious Sisters. He wrote: "These unknown Sisters whom you support are indispensable for the Kingdom of Heaven. They are the living sign that points to God."

We are convinced that our benefactors will not let these Sisters down, and we have therefore already promised to help them with $9,800. Will you now give so that these Carmelite Sisters can repair their roof in Croatia?

We are sure they will remember you in their grateful prayers.

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church that we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.